Newest Florida Chamber Poll Shows Voters Confident, Yet Concerned About Federal Government

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Edie Ousley, 850-521-1231 or 850-251-6261
eousley@flchamber.com

Former Governor Jeb Bush, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio Receive High Favorability Ratings

TALLAHASSEE, FL. (March 4, 2015) – Florida voters are increasingly more confident about the direction Florida is headed, yet remain significantly concerned about the federal government, according to the latest Florida Chamber Political Institute (FCPI) poll released today.

“Our results show Floridians are more confident in Florida’s economy,” said Marian Johnson, Senior Vice President of Political Strategy at the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “These signs of optimism are good for our economy, for our families and for our small businesses. Despite the gridlock in Washington, D.C., this poll shows Florida is increasingly confident that Florida is moving in the right direction. As Governor Scott says, ‘It’s working,’ and the voters agree.”

Florida’s Right/Wrong Direction:

• 46 percent of voters say Florida is heading in the right direction, compared to 32 who say wrong direction. This is a strong increase over October 2014, when polling data showed 43 percent to 38 percent respectively.

Congressional/Presidential Approval Rating:

• 70 percent of Florida voters disapprove of the job Congress is doing, while President Obama’s job approval rating remains upside down at 47 percent approve compared to 51 percent who disapprove.

Possible Presidential Candidates:

• Former Governor Jeb Bush’s favorability rating remains positive at 52 percent favorable compared to 33 percent unfavorable.
• U. S. Senator Marco Rubio’s favorability rating is positive at 42 percent favorable and 36 percent unfavorable.
  Former U. S. Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s favorability rating is within the margin of error with 48 percent favorable to 47 percent unfavorable.

Head-to-Head Primary Matchups:

President:

• Jeb Bush earns 32 percent, followed by Scott Walker at 18 percent and Marco Rubio at 10 percent.
• Jeb Bush vs. Marco Rubio only:  Bush earns 51 percent to Rubio’s 35 percent.

U. S. Senate:

• Congresswoman and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz earns 42 percent, Congressman Alan Grayson is at 8 percent, Congresswoman Gwen Graham and Congressman Patrick Murphy tied at  7 percent each.

Other Findings Include:

Florida Families:

Families say they are financially better off today than a year ago.

• Feb/March, 2015 – 36 percent better off; 25 percent worse off.
• Feb/March, 2014 – 28 percent better off; 36 percent worse off.

Job Approval:

• Governor Rick Scott – 48 percent approve of the job he’s doing.
  Florida Legislature – 42 percent approve of the job they’re doing.

Top Issue of Concern:

• Jobs/Economy – 22 percent,
  Education – 17 percent,
  Healthcare – 8 percent, and
  Immigration – 7 percent.

Methodology:

Eight hundred and two Florida voters were interviewed by professional telemarketers February 18-23, 2015. The sample was drawn from frequent voters and respondents were again screened for voter registration by telemarketers. The sample was balanced according to all known demographic factors. Sixty-five percent of the respondents were interviewed via landlines and 34 percent via cell numbers. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.5%, with a 95% confidence level. This poll was conducted by Florida Chamber Political Institute.

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The Florida Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations, aggressively representing small and large businesses from every industry and every region. The Florida Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to secure Florida’s future. The Florida Chamber works closely with its Political Operations and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com for more information.